iGEM Contribution
The SOILutions team aimed to introduce to future iGEM teams the possibility of engineering microbes that dynamically respond to environmental changes. After conducting some literature research, we discovered the article “Tn5tacl, a derivative of transposon Tn5 that generates conditional mutations” by Chow and Berg, which introduced us to the lacI protein sourced from Geobacillus stearothermophilus. It acts as a structural constituent for ribosomes.
We can change the lacIq allele to boost production of the lacI gene by significant amounts. This allele also has other functions than boosting the lacI gene. It can code a repressor protein the binds to a Ptac promoter that blocks transcription. However, this repressor protein can be disassociated by introducing isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), hence allowing transcription. This creates a method of toggling on and off gene expression downstream using the presence of IPTG.
However, there are limitations to this:
- The lacIq allele is specific to E. Coli bacteria
- Requires IPTG to toggle on and off, increasing complexity
- IPTG may have side effects of cell processes
- The lacIq allele may bind to other promoters in the genome
- lacIq allele efficiency may depend on specific genetic background and environmental conditions
Throughout our synthesis, we have contributed a total of four new basic parts and three new composite parts to the iGEM part registry, which we hope will be of assistance to future iGEM teams with similar passions to us.
Local Contribution
Australia is an agriculturally heavy nation, with 55% of all Australian land being devoted to agrarian and husbandry practices. With massive farming operations comes massive demands for fertiliser.
However, traditional ammonia-based fertilisers have significant environmental downsides. A study conducted by the State of Victoria’s Agricultural department estimates that 40%-60% of fertilizers applied to crops are lost to the environment. Surface runoff leech fertilizers into local waterways and result in eutrophication, posing a serious threat to local riverine wildlife species.
Additionally, a study by the National Institute of Health discovered a range of adverse health effects associated with nitrogen overuse and ingesting nitrite-contaminated water, including respiratory ailments and the spread of diseases such as malaria and cholera in both cattle and humans.
Global Contribution
"End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture."
Our sustainable solution is crafted to eradicate hunger, ensure food security, and foster sustainable agricultural practices. This organic fertilizer plays crucial position in supporting resilient agriculture. It enhances food productivity within ecosystems, making significant strides in the improvement of land and soil quality, and fortifying ongoing climate change adaptation efforts. The resulting balanced soil composition not only minimises wasteful practises, but also cultivates the foundation for more sustainable agricultural systems. Ultimately, this collective effort holds a pivotal role in the overarching mission of diminishing world hunger.
"Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation"
Our organic fertilizer serves as a sustainable alternative to replace conventional nitrogen fertilizers derived from fossil fuels. This transition effectively mitigates the 1.4% annual emissions of nitrogen and reduces the global energy consumption by 1%. By adopting our eco-friendly solution, we not only decrease the carbon emissions and meet the rising energy demands, but also combat algal blooms triggered by nitrogen runoffs. These blooms emit nitrogen gas, a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent that carbon dioxide. SOILution’s innovative fertilizer, enriched with nitrogen-fizing microbes, autonomously manages soil quality, thereby decreasing the necessity for continuous production, in contrast to labor-intensive chemical fertilizers.
"Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts"
The excessive increase in nitrogen fertilizer usage, which has surged by a staggering 80% since 1961, presents formidable global challenges, with a particularly acute impact in the Asia-Pacific region. This excessive nitrogen surplus is a primary culprit behind soil and atmospheric pollution, responsible for two-thirds of the world’s nitrogen pollution dilemma. This, inturn, gives rise to a multitude of health hazards and ecological devastation, including detrimental harmful algal blooms and ecological dead zones. Fortunately, our engineered bacteria deliver a reliable and sustainable nitrogen supply, effectively shrinking the dependency on synthetic fertilizers and their associated complications. This innovative approach not only safeguards consistent crop production but also addresses the pressing issues stemming from nitrogen overuse.
